Elementary principal hosts 100 kids for alcohol-fueled house party, Florida cops say

An unusual house party led to the arrest of an elementary school principal, after police discovered “many” of her party guests were juveniles drinking alcohol, according to Florida investigators.

It happened Sunday, Jan. 19, in Cocoa Beach, and the host was identified as Roosevelt Elementary School’s principal, Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, police said in a Jan. 24 news release. Cocoa Beach is about a 60-mile drive east from Orlando.

“Upon arrival, officers observed over 100 juveniles at the residence in matching T-shirts, many who were consuming alcohol ... available in coolers at the residence,” police said.

“While officers were investigating the party, a juvenile was located on the front lawn experiencing an alcohol related medical event. The juvenile was so heavily intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) had to respond to treat them.”

Hill-Brodigan turned off the home’s outdoor lights as the rescuers worked, forcing them “to use auxiliary lighting on their vehicle to treat the juvenile,” police said.

An “intoxicated adult female” approached first responders at the scene, identifying herself as Karly Anderson, a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, police said.

“A traffic stop was conducted near the residence resulting in the arrest of the juvenile driver for DUI,” police said.

Interviews with “numerous juveniles and parents” resulted in police issuing arrest warrants for Hill-Brodigan for child neglect, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and holding an “open house party,” police said.

Anderson was also charged of child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, police said.

Brevard Public Schools placed both women “on administrative leave pending the results of a police investigation,” WKMG reports.

Hill-Brodigan’s is a former “Teacher of the Year,” and her career includes stints as a kindergarten teacher and later as an assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary in Titusville and Ocean Breeze Elementary in Indian Harbour Beach, according to Roosevelt Elementary Website.

This story was originally published January 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Elementary principal hosts 100 kids for alcohol-fueled house party, Florida cops say."